Smith Court-head House Gets Nod from BHCA Committee

The Beacon Hill Civic Association (BHCA) Zoning and Licensing Committee voted unanimously Wednesday not to oppose granting the zoning variance necessary to build a head-house that would provide access to a roof-deck at 7 Smith Court.

The homeowner of the single-family dwelling intends to build a covered structure to allow walk-up access to a reconstructed deck on top of the 2½-story building. The head-house, which accommodates a staircase and landing area, would add an additional 48 square feet to the floor area, thereby increasing the floor area ration (FAR) above the maximum for buildings in the neighborhood. The structure wouldn’t be visible from a public way, however, according to the Beacon Hill Architectural Commission.

Timothy Burke, the architect for the project, said the homeowner also intends to construct a pergola 15 feet back from the rear lot-line that would integrate LED-lighting into the structure.

In accordance with the Zoning and Licensing Committee’s motion not to oppose the requested zoning variance, Burke said the applicant agreed “in spirit” to enter into a good-neighbor agreement with the BHCA, but still wanted to review the specifics of the contract.

Burke said the city’s Zoning and Licensing Committee was expected to review the variance request sometime next month.